THIS WEEKEND Jazz & Rib Fest!

Celebrate the arrival of summer with hot ribs and cool jazz. The 33rd annual Jazz & Rib Fest presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department returns to the Arena District riverfront on July 20-22. Three stages will host the finest locally and internationally known jazz artists, while barbeque pit masters serve up sizzling ribs, chicken and more. Savor the best ribs from around the country as 23 award-winning barbeque teams compete for “Best Ribs” bragging rights. The aroma of hot ribs and sounds of cool jazz will fill the air on July 20 and 21 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and July 22 from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Jazz & Rib Fest will offer a diverse lineup of artists guaranteed to satisfy the cravings of any jazz connoisseur. While their performances were rained out in 2011, we are thrilled to welcome back Christian McBride and Inside Straight as well as Bobby Sanabria and Ascension to this year’s line-up. Featured performances during the 2012 Jazz & Rib Fest will also include:

Ramsey Lewis and His Electric Band

As a leader in the contemporary jazz field for over 50 years, Ramsey Lewis is nothing short of iconic. The three-time Grammy winner holds his band to the highest musical standards, while creating new and innovative music that allowed him to cross into the pop and R&B charts.

Christian McBride and Inside Straight

Christian McBride is a renowned Grammy-winning jazz bassist and is considered one of the best of his generation. McBride has had the honor of playing and arranging with legends like Sting and James Brown, and his quintet, Inside Straight, is among one of his many musical projects.

Bobby Sanabria and Ascension

Voted “Percussionist of the Year” in 2005 by DRUM! Magazine, Bobby Sanabria has made a name for himself performing with some of the biggest names in the jazz and Latin music scene. As a multiple Grammy nominee, Sanabria played drums for the legendary Mario Bauzá’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra and appeared in the orchestra on the Bill Cosby Show.

Soulive

Since their formation in 1999, Soulive treats fans to some of the finest soul-jazz around. The band features guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Alan Evans and keyboardist Neal Evans that entertain with music inspired by legends like Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff and Grooves Holmes.

Soul of Summer featuring Jonathan Butler, Warren Hill and Maysa

The best of the legendary Smooth Jazz Cruise stars, together on stage. Baltimore-born-and-raised soul singer extraordinaire, Maysa has a passionate following with her expressive and unique sound. South African guitarist and singer Jonathan Butler exploded onto the American music scene in 1987, opening for Whitney Houston. Since then, this masterful musician has been a force in R&B, jazz and soul. Canadian saxophonist Warren Hill has topped the Smooth Jazz, Adult Contemporary and Top 40 charts with his smooth and soulful sound.

Columbus Jazz Orchestra with Jon Elliott

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO) was formed as a vehicle to create performance opportunities for jazz musicians in a big band setting. Over 35 years later, the CJO is considered one of the world’s finest jazz orchestras and a model for success, presenting big band jazz and world-renowned guest artists to thousands each year.

For a complete schedule and additional information, visit the newly redesigned Jazz & Rib Fest website www.HotRibsCoolJazz.org.